By JOHN SAKALA
The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) and Bus and Taxi Owners Association of Zambia (BTOAZ) have resolved to tentatively increase bus fares by 22 per cent across the board.
The increase in bus fares follows a consultative meeting by the RTSA and bus and taxi operators.
During a meeting this week, the bus operators requested to vary their current Road Service Licences (RSL) by making adjustment of bus fares as stipulated under the Road Traffic Act No. 11 of 2002.
Thus the desired increase has been effected after approval by all concerned stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The move is in line with the conditions under which the Road Service Licences (RSL) are granted.
Subsection 12 (d) of Section 108 of the Road Traffic Act No. of 2002 underscores that a person applying for a road service license, and a holder of such a licence applying for its variation, shall submit to the Director the rate of fares of the proposed services.
Therefore, following the said meeting, the bus fares have been increase by a maximum of 22 per cent effective October 8, 2018.
However, for certain routes, the fares will be less than 22 per cent as guided by fare charts that will be prepared by the BTOAZ in consultation with the RTSA.
Additionally, the concerned stakeholders including the Ministry of Transport and Communications will be holding another meeting next week to discuss this matter further and the public will be informed accordingly.
The position was arrived at following the increase in the fuel pump price early October this year.
This is according to media release by RTSA Head of Public Relations Fredrick Mubanga.
